We were all shook up after a 7.0 earthquake in Southern Columbia rocked
us during our day in Quito, Ecuador. I almost mistook the rocking for a
hangover from our Calle La Ronda experience the night before, where Cuy and
large bottles of Club Cerveza were the order of the evening, or perhaps it was
residual from our night in raucous Plaza Foche area where consuming 3 liters of
beer was our calling; before washing back to our hotel. No, it was just a
gentle rocking that called us out after our long day of conference with
International Living. We needed to get back
to the Quito historic area, but this time for a far different treat, a culinary
and cultural experience that will not be forgotten. Many of the homes in this
area have stood up to the test of time, and many earthquakes. Tonight’s visit
took us to just one of these homes and a visit with our genial host, Jaime
Burgos.
Jaime has created a wonder in old town, Octava de Corpus, a gastronomic
boutique house. This historic home at the historic center of Quito is the love
and passion of Jaime, who we found holding down the front stoop on this quiet
night at the beginning of Carnival. We were afraid that we should have called
ahead, but while the rest of the well to do Ecuadorians had decamped to party
elsewhere, we were treated to a run of the house hosted by our consummate host.
While Facebook, Twitter, Trip advisor and Lonely Planet and many many others
sing internet praises, all of that was checked at the door, as we emerged into
a world unto itself. The Octava is #27 of 322 restaurants rated in Quito and
#82 of 404 Lonely Planet things to do in Quito just to add to its Wine
Spectator awards.
Our ultimate host reminded of days my days with Patrick Terrail at Ma
Maison, as our new found friend and guide moved us first to his wine cellar and
then upward into the variety of well-appointed dining rooms. While we could
have settled anywhere, we found ourselves admiring the art and character of
each of the rooms. From floor to ceiling the passion and love of history, wine,
art and quite frankly perfection were not lost on my son McKenzie or me.
Finally at the urging of our host we settled next to a window with a nice
rooftop view of the area, feeling secure and at home next to the three foot
thick wall in the corner. Jaime explained that on most evenings he would be bustling
with as many as eight on the wait staff and perhaps an equal number in the
kitchen, but tonight we were his only concern. Our host is Transformer…owner,
host, sommelier, bartender, and wait staff and much more.
Swapping stories, we selected a bottle of Vina Chaupi Estancia, Alyce,
Meritage 2007. Apparently Ecuador is not just Panama Hats and Roses, but the
home to a bud of collection of fine small vineyards. While McKenzie had his
eyes focused on a bottle of Vega-Sicilia Cosecha 2002 “Unico”, Ribera de Duero,
I was set on a wine from Ecuador. This was an excellent bottle at $42.00.
McKenzie was none affected by our 9500 foot elevation or our previous night’s
activity, so he also enjoyed a very nice Ukrainian wheat vodka with only a few
cubes of distraction, while settling on our selections for the evening with Jaime’s
guidance.
McKenzie selected a warn shrimp appetizer suspended over crushed ice,
and then a Ceviche salad, and I enjoyed a special salad of the house. Our
entrees, “Surf and Turf”, a fine Lomo with two prawns as big as your hand and
for dear old dad a Lomo “Jack Daniels”. Note huge dessert people, only I choose
to finish our dinner with dessert. I was well rewarded by the candied figs and
cheese. As our talk moved north and south, our host was bustling and ever
informative. After one more after dinner tour of the cellar, Jaime insisted on
showing us several home exteriors on the immediate street that “may be for
sale” and would be suitable for a B and B or Inn. With a promise to be in touch
with his real estate finds, we were tucked into our off market taxi procured by
Jaime. Wishing our host good evening, McKenzie tucked his card into his ever
expanding rolodex, this one marked as a must return and a possible destination
for one world traveler looking for that special place to “pop the question” if
he ever tires or travel and dining with dear old dad.
Octava de Corpus
Gastronomia Boutique House & Wine Bar
Casa Republicana de la Junin, Plaza San Marcos
Calle Junin E2-167 Barrio San Marcos
Tel 2952989
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